The aftermath of the British and Irish Lions tour has left its mark on Hugo Keenan, who won't see game action until 2026 following necessary hip surgery after his heroic efforts in Australia. Leinster's update from Leo Cullen also highlighted complications for Joe McCarthy, dealing with an aggravated foot injury post-tour.
Keenan, the 29-year-old Leinster and Ireland full-back, dramatically scored a last-minute try in Melbourne this July, sealing a series win over the Wallabies. Unfortunately, the victory came at a cost. After returning to Dublin, Keenan underwent surgery to address a hip issue. The lengthy recovery period will keep him out of the upcoming Autumn Nations Series, including a significant matchup against the All Blacks in Chicago, and sideline him for the first half of Leinster's URC/Champions Cup season.
During an open training session in Greystones, Leo Cullen, the Leinster head coach, expressed uncertainty about the exact timeline for Keenan's return.
"Hugo Keenan had surgery post the Lions tour on his hip. He probably won’t feature until the new year. Exactly what point, I’m not sure yet."
The news was not the only worry for Leinster as Cullen shared updates on another Lions casualty, Joe McCarthy.
McCarthy's situation appears equally grim.
"He had an issue with his foot... He has made it worse anyway. So, he has had a bit of a setback. Whether he is out ’til November (I’m not sure), but he is not going to feature for us anyway in that first block (of matches). It’s early days, and I don’t know (when he will be back) is the honest answer,"
Cullen explained, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sports injuries.
However, it wasn't all negative from the Leinster camp. Caelan Doris, the Leinster and Ireland captain, is slated for an early winter return following a shoulder injury that kept him out of the Lions tour. Meanwhile, Garry Ringrose and James Ryan, who both suffered concussions during the tour, have been cleared to resume play after completing the necessary protocols.
As Leinster gears up for their URC campaign starting September 26 in Cape Town against the Stormers, they do so with the assurance of continuity in their coaching staff, having secured contract extensions for senior coach Jacques Nienaber and his assistants Robin McBryde and Tyler Bleyendaal through the 2026/27 season.
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The aftermath of the British and Irish Lions tour has left its mark on Hugo Keenan, who won't see game action until 2026 following necessary hip surgery after his heroic efforts in Australia. Leinster's update from Leo Cullen also highlighted complications for Joe McCarthy, dealing with an aggravated foot injury post-tour.
Keenan, the 29-year-old Leinster and Ireland full-back, dramatically scored a last-minute try in Melbourne this July, sealing a series win over the Wallabies. Unfortunately, the victory came at a cost. After returning to Dublin, Keenan underwent surgery to address a hip issue. The lengthy recovery period will keep him out of the upcoming Autumn Nations Series, including a significant matchup against the All Blacks in Chicago, and sideline him for the first half of Leinster's URC/Champions Cup season.
During an open training session in Greystones, Leo Cullen, the Leinster head coach, expressed uncertainty about the exact timeline for Keenan's return.
"Hugo Keenan had surgery post the Lions tour on his hip. He probably won’t feature until the new year. Exactly what point, I’m not sure yet."
The news was not the only worry for Leinster as Cullen shared updates on another Lions casualty, Joe McCarthy.McCarthy's situation appears equally grim.
"He had an issue with his foot... He has made it worse anyway. So, he has had a bit of a setback. Whether he is out ’til November (I’m not sure), but he is not going to feature for us anyway in that first block (of matches). It’s early days, and I don’t know (when he will be back) is the honest answer,"
Cullen explained, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sports injuries.However, it wasn't all negative from the Leinster camp. Caelan Doris, the Leinster and Ireland captain, is slated for an early winter return following a shoulder injury that kept him out of the Lions tour. Meanwhile, Garry Ringrose and James Ryan, who both suffered concussions during the tour, have been cleared to resume play after completing the necessary protocols.
As Leinster gears up for their URC campaign starting September 26 in Cape Town against the Stormers, they do so with the assurance of continuity in their coaching staff, having secured contract extensions for senior coach Jacques Nienaber and his assistants Robin McBryde and Tyler Bleyendaal through the 2026/27 season.